Apr 22, 2010

BILLY JOEL and Former Drummer, Liberty Devitto Settle Lawsuit

MUSIC NEWS - Billy Joel's longtime drummer and music associate, LIBERTY DEVITTO has settled his lawsuit in which he accused Joel of keeping royalties from many of his biggest albums from him, the singer's lawyer announced on Wednesday.

In Joel's heyday, from 1975 thru 2005 Liberty DeVitto was Joel's main drummer and performed on classic Billy Joel albums such as "The Stranger," "52nd Street," "Glass Houses" and "Storm Front". DeVitto also appeared live with Joel as part of his touring band.

Back in May 2009, DeVitto filed a lawsuit against Joel and Sony Music Entertainment that alleged Joel broke agreements and failed to pay him royalties (amount unspecified) from the sales of 11 albums recorded between 1975 and 1990. Together, these albums sold over 100 million copies worldwide!

Paul LiCalsi, a partner at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP in New York City, who represents Joel told the press; "The case has been amicably resolved," but would not to discuss settlement terms.

Efforts to reach DeVitto and Billy Joel's mgmt company have as yet been unsuccessful.